The South Korean Ministry of National Defense has officially suspended General Joo Seong-won, the Commander of the Army Ground Operations Command, from his duties due to emerging allegations surrounding his involvement in a rebellion that occurred on December 3. Minister of Defense An Kyu-baek stated during a briefing about government innovation activities aimed at constitutional respect, that the suspension took effect immediately as new evidence surfaced linking General Joo to the actions of the then Army commander, particularly concerning martial law directives related to the rebellion. Although he remains in title, his functions are currently halted while an investigation is underway.

While the specific details of the allegations against General Joo have not been disclosed, they were brought to light through a report submitted to the Ministry on November 21, as part of efforts to uphold constitutional integrity. General Joo is noted to have had interactions with his subordinate, a former brigade commander who is a suspect in the rebellion plot, but reportedly failed to issue a crucial order that could have prevented the situation at a critical time on December 3. This incident underscores the ongoing scrutiny within the military and the gravity of the allegations probing higher-level military officials.

General Joo, who took command only in September of the previous year, had previously expressed remorse during a National Assembly defense oversight meeting about illegal emergency martial law actions, assuring that the Army Ground Operations Command would adhere to its obligation to remain apolitical. The fallout from these allegations and the subsequent inquiry could have significant implications for the military leadership and could affect both domestic and international perceptions of South Korea's military governance amidst increased calls for accountability in light of past undemocratic incidents.